Freshman/Sophomore Year
Students should have their Initial Consultation with an Admissions Counselor to:
- Pinpoint passions and interests and help create academic and extra-curricular plans in order to showcase those passions.
- Carefully select high school courses.
- Identify weaknesses in the student’s transcript and resume and strategize methods to remedy those areas.
- Aid in the selection of summer activities, community service, employment, internships, independent projects, and athletic opportunities.
Junior Year—Fall Semester:
August, September, October: Initial preparation for the PSAT
- Students should either take a PSAT course or schedule 2-5 tutoring sessions to prepare for the PSAT and get accustomed to the format and types of questions.
November: Take practice ACT, Meet with College Advisor, Begin Test Prep
- Students should take a proctored practice ACT exam and analyze the results with an instructor.
- Students should schedule a meeting with their College Advisors to discuss a preliminary list of schools to look at and discuss a timeline for college visits. They should also discuss summer opportunities and community service projects.
- Start prepping for either the SAT or ACT. Instructors will begin with the fundamentals that can be applied to either test.
December: Analyze PSAT Results
- PSAT results are released in December of students’ junior years. Students should meet with an instructor for a Strategy Session to review the PSAT results and compare them to the ACT results and should decide whether to prep for the SAT, ACT, or both exams.
Junior Year-Spring Semester
January: Start focused preparation for either the SAT or ACT
- College Advisors will analyze students’ starting scores on the SAT and ACT and will review the target scores needed for their preliminary lists of schools. Based on the amount of improvement needed, advisors will recommend a specific number of sessions needed to achieve the testing goals.
February: Take initial ACT (if out of New York State)
- Student should continue preparation for the SAT and ACT and should try to visit schools during the February break, if possible.
March: Take initial SAT (if within the US) and Meet with College Advisor
- Students should continue their test prep and should visit schools when possible.
- Students should schedule a meeting with their College Advisors to finalize a list of schools and discuss the requirements for the schools.
April: Take ACT, Prep for SAT II exams (if applicable)
- Some schools require SAT II exams in addition to the SAT or ACT. Students will discuss the requirements with their advisors.
May: Take SAT II exams if you are an AP student/Take second SAT if you are a non-AP student
June: Take second SAT (if you an AP student)/Take SAT II exams (if you are a non-AP student) and ACT
- Before you leave for summer vacation, ask teachers to write recommendations
July/August: Summer Bootcamp, Summer Program/Job Opportunity, and Start Common Application
- Students should participate in either an SAT/ACT Bootcamp if they need to take the test again in the fall or a College Prep Bootcamp to get a jump-start on applications (if they will not be signing up for a Senior Application Package).
- Students should be actively participating in a summer academic or volunteer program, internship, or job opportunity to reflect their interests and maturity.
- Students should begin filling out the data sections of the Common Application and should also create their Resume/Activity Sheets over the summer.
- Students should also meet with their College Advisors to upload the list of schools to the Common Application and create a manageable timeline to complete the application and all supplements.
Senior Year
September: Hand out recommendation forms, Finalize Common Application, Start Supplements, and Prep for the SAT, ACT, or SAT II (if taking it again)
October: Finalize Early Decision/Early Action application and submit
November: Finalize all Regular Decision applications and Prep for Interviews
December: Interviews and Acceptances for Early Decision/Action schools
- If a student does not get accepted by ED/EA school, she should meet with her College Advisor to discuss strategy for Regular Decision and Deferral Options.
January: Prep for interviews for Regular Decision schools and start Financial Aid applications
February: Interviews for Regular Decision Schools, Send mid-year school report and any supplemental information for your application
April: Review acceptances and waiting lists with your advisor
May/June: Finalize decision, Enroll, Celebrate!
